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Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), known as “The Monthly Dividend Company,” has been a favorite among income-seeking investors for its consistent monthly dividends and long track record of dividend growth. With a current monthly dividend of $0.257 per share, Realty Income offers an attractive opportunity for you to build a passive income stream. However, generating a significant monthly income requires a substantial initial investment or a well-executed long-term strategy.

To earn $500 per month in dividends from Realty Income, you would need to own 1,946 shares at the current dividend rate. With a recent share price of $55.45, this would require a total investment of $107,905.70, which may be out of reach for many investors. Fortunately, there’s another approach: gradually building your position in Realty Income over time.

Starting Small and Growing Your Position

You can start by purchasing a smaller number of shares and consistently adding to your position over time. For example, you could begin with an initial purchase of 36 shares at the current price of $55.45, costing $1,996.20. From there, you could invest an additional $600 per month to acquire more shares.

Assuming a modest 3% annual growth in Realty Income’s share price and a continuation of its 10-year dividend growth rate of 3.81%, you could expect the following results:

– By the end of the first year, you would earn approximately $35 per month in dividends.

– By the third year, your monthly dividend income would increase to around $93.

– In the ninth year, you would be close to your goal, earning $492.45 per month.

– By the tenth year, you would surpass your target, earning $610.51 per month. At this point, your total investment would be $94,397.38 (including $61,996.20 in direct investments and $32,401.18 in reinvested dividends), and you would own 1,386 shares worth $103,017.88.

Accelerating Growth Through Reinvestment and Continued Contributions

If you continue to reinvest your dividends and contribute $500 per month towards additional Realty Income shares, your passive income stream would grow at an even faster rate:

– By year 15, you would receive $1,637.98 in monthly dividend income.

– By year 20, your monthly dividend income would reach $4,256.85, or $51,082.24 per year. You would own 4,807 shares worth $479,472.59.

It’s important to note that these assumptions are purely hypothetical and do not take into account any taxes that would have to be paid on the dividends you earn and reinvest. Additionally, this scenario is based on historical data and assumptions about future growth, which may not be indicative of future performance. You should always conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

While building a passive income stream through a reliable dividend-paying stock like Realty Income can be an effective strategy, it’s essential to understand the risks of relying on a single company. No company is immune to challenges, and even the most consistent dividend payers can face difficulties that may lead to dividend cuts or suspensions.

To mitigate these risks, you should consider diversifying your portfolio with multiple dividend-paying stocks across various sectors. Additionally, incorporating alternative investments can further enhance diversification and potentially provide higher yields. Two such options are Homevest, a platform that allows individuals to invest in single-family rental properties, and Cityfunds Yield fund, which offers a diversified portfolio of real estate-backed investments with a targeted 8% annual yield.

Homevest: A Platform for Investing in Single-Family Rentals in Thriving Markets

Homevest is one of the newest fractional real estate platforms on the market, with a focus on growing markets in states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Retail investors can become co-owners of the properties on the platform for as little as $100, entitling them to a share of the cash flow and appreciation.

The latest offering on Homevest is The Marion, a newly constructed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Ocala, FL. The property is expected to generate $2,100 in monthly rental income, resulting in a gross cap rate of 9%. Click here to view details of The Marion and secure your spot as an owner.

Cityfunds Yield Fund: A Diversified Real Estate-Backed Investment

The Cityfunds Yield fund offers you the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate-backed investments, targeting an attractive 8% annual yield. The fund invests in a mix of home equity-backed notes and short-term mortgage notes, providing exposure to a broad range of real estate assets.

By investing in the Cityfunds Yield fund, you can benefit from the potential for steady, high-yield passive income without the need to manage individual properties or deal with the complexities of real estate investing. The Cityfunds Yield fund can be an excellent option for you to enhance your income stream and diversify your portfolio with real estate-backed investments. Click here to see how Cityfunds Yield can help build your passive income stream.

By spreading your investments across multiple assets and investment vehicles, you can reduce your exposure to company-specific risks and create a more resilient passive income stream.

Key Takeaways: Growing Your Realty Income Portfolio

Building a $500 per month passive income stream from Realty Income is achievable through a combination of consistent investments, dividend reinvestment and a long-term approach. However, you should always consider the importance of diversification. While alternative investments are a great way to diversify a portfolio, they don't make sense for everybody. You should consider your long-term goals and risk tolerance.

Remember, the scenarios presented in this article are hypothetical and should not be relied upon as a sole basis for making investment decisions. Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor to determine the best investment strategy for your unique financial situation and goals.

Read Next:

• Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Here’s how to invest in the city’s growth before he floods it with new tech workers.

• Florida is home to some of the most rapidly growing real estate markets in the country, and this new platform will let you get a piece of the action with as little as $100.

This article How To Build A $500 Per Month Passive Income Stream From Realty Income originally appeared on Benzinga.com